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Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 12:47 pm
by Admin
I have a gun that I need to ship to have some work done, and while getting it ready to send off, I fund out that both UPS and FedEx have changed thier T&Cs to prohibit shipping guns unless you are an FFL.

UPS:
https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipp ... earms.page
UPS accepts packages containing Firearm Products for shipment only as a contractual service and only from Shippers who are licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, or licensed collectors (as defined in Title 18, Chapter 44 of the United States Code) to authorized recipients, as outlined in an approved UPS agreement for the transportation of Firearm Products.
FeEx:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/ho ... earms.html
Approved Shippers with a Federal Firearm License

The FedEx Service Guide prohibits firearm shipments. However, customers holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) may work with their FedEx account executive to obtain approval to ship firearms with FedEx. This will require customers holding an FFL to execute a FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement. For more information, contact your FedEx account executive.



Unapproved Shippers

Shippers that do not hold an FFL are not eligible to obtain approval and are prohibited from shipping firearms with FedEx. Shippers that have not received approval, regardless of their FFL status, are prohibited from shipping firearms with FedEx.
I know I could just not tell them what's in the box, and insure it for replacement amount, but I have no idea what would happen if something went sideways with the shipment. But just HOW are you supposed to do this by following the rules?

Re: Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 1:57 pm
by CPJ 2.0
The USPS will ship rifles and shotguns.

Re: Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 2:14 pm
by shotgunshooter3

Re: Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 2:43 pm
by Big Al1
USPS is the best way but you have to have an FFL send it and receive it. Shipping both way is $$$! Total PITA!

Re: Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:19 pm
by Wambli Ska
In your case, ship only the parts that need work. Do the label online at home and in contents say “sporting goods” and insure for the appropriate amount. Drop off at local UPS store. No sense worrying too much about a super low percentage occurrence. Can’t remember the last time I lost a UPS shipment. Fed-Ex just sucks and I wouldn’t trust them with any shipment anymore.

Re: Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:21 pm
by Japhy
Depends on who you are sending it to.
If it’s a name brand manufacturer they will have a contract with usually FedX have them create the label and follow instructions exactly.

UPS is a pain! I recently had issues with them holding an ammo order. UPS will also open packages if the suspect anything in there is not to their liking.

I wouldn’t label it sporting goods but something more generic like machine parts. Hopefully you do not need to send any serialized parts.

FedX stores will not ship or pack anything firearm. You have to go to a main FedX facility.

Re: Just HOW are you supposed to ship guns these days?

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:22 pm
by jwv2023
I think I'm with Wambli on this. Depending on what you need to have done, just send the affected parts, otherwise talk to the receiver to see if they have any advice. Is the receiver an FFL? Or find an FFL in your area to initiate the shipping. The last time I had work done, I just put in a box and mailed it. My guy mailed it back when he was done